let me tell you a little story {well long for a blog post}

So real quick I’ll answer your questions from yesterday…the family pictures were taken inside at night with a flash. The color versions are horrible, but I didn’t care. The white backdrop is the white wall in FireCracker’s room. I took most of them, Chris took the ones I am in. I used my 24-70mm lens and used it as a wide angle for most of the shots. I think that about covers it.

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Under the Sycamore is now on Facebook. You can now ‘like’ me over there (that whole concept is weird for me). I’d love for you to visit the Facebook page and let me know what kinds of things you’d like to see on it.

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And moving on. It was 1998 and I was on the verge of graduating high school. It really wasn’t all that long ago, but is was long enough that email was just starting to be used and the internet was relatively new to most people. Back then to get the most current information about global things you read actual newspapers and magazines. I’ve always liked magazines. Anyway…to the point…I remember coming home from school and finding a magazine waiting for me. I sat on the floor of my room and thumbed through the pages. Then I saw this picture:

I know seems simple enough….ladies and babies. Something about it struck me. I knew THAT is what I wanted for my life. On the verge of entering college, I knew I wanted to love on babies that were not my own. I knew one day I wanted to impact the lives of children that did not have anyone fighting for them. I wanted my family picture to one day be filled with kids that did not look like me. I wanted to live in Africa. Kenya to be specific. Among the Turkana to be more specific.

The woman and the fair skinned baby in the photo haunted me in a good way. I thought of them often. A couple of months went by and I found out that very woman and her family would be traveling from Kenya to Oklahoma for a visit. Not only that…they were coming to Tulsa. Not only that…they’d be staying across the street with my neighbors. I love when God shocks me.

I got to meet them. Talk with them. We wrote. I set up an email account and we emailed.

Plans were put into place for me to spend a summer working with children in Kenya with them. Then I got a call that circumstances changed and I would not be able to go. I was broken hearted. I still have not been to Africa. I still plan on going. Someday. A few days ago the boys found a letter tucked in an old book of mine. A letter I wrote myself 2 weeks after graduation. A letter that was supposed to be opened 2 years ago, but I forgot about it.

I dreamed that at 28 I’d be married to Chris Campbell. Got that one. I also wrote, “We are currently a family of 2, but we are considering having children in the future.” Well, that was totally off! Finally I wrote that we were living in Africa caring for orphans. When I wrote that letter the biggest thing I could wrap my mind around in regards to helping orphans was to live with them. It was back when I had no concept of how the internet would make the world smaller. It was when I had never heard of a blog or that I could connect with others in numerous ways to impact the lives of the most vulnerable. My 10 year dream of living in Africa did not come true. I am okay with that.

One thing is the still the same…I want to care for children that have no one else or have parents that are unable to provide basic needs. The funny thing about becoming a mom is that you forever look at every child through the eyes of a mom.

Will we adopt in the future? I sure hope so. I once read the quote, “I have 5 kids. One is adopted. I don’t remember which one.” I hope to say that one day. Until then, I can still be involved in impacting the lives of children. That is exciting stuff. That’s the good life.

So, I thought I’d share a few ways we can all get involved! There are a billion more….many others I have blogged on before.

Buy some vitamins….and contact Meg. Seriously, read this post. Go buy vitamins. Help save a child’s life. Easy peasy. (you have to read her post to figure out what the eggs are for)

Sponsor a child. You’ve seen links to Compassion International and World Vision on my blog for over a year now. I’d like you to meet my oldest boy. He shares a birthday with our 6 year old. He loves soccer and group games. At home he is responsible for carrying water, washing clothes and running errands. There are 4 kids in his family. He lives in Rwanda. We get the privilege of watching him grow, of corresponding, of helping his family provide all he needs to grow and develop. Our boys really hope they get to play soccer with him one day. He doesn’t look like me, but I sure am grateful his mom partners with me so I can be a part of raising him.

If you are local and you like to play golf. Participate in the adopt[ed] golf tournament. It will be held at The Golf Club of Oklahoma on Oct. 4th. All proceeds go towards helping families adopt, international orphan care, and local foster care aid. If you are a business you should sponsor a hole…really it is a no brainer. Here are some details (look for the adopt[ed] logo). Take your kid along to play too! (how many different haircuts can I post in one week?)

Meet my friend Emily. She is totally hip and seems to have the ideal little family.

But her family just isn’t quite complete. There is a little girl missing. A little girl waiting on her parents and siblings to come get her. If you have a blog, website, etsy store…you can purchase an ad spot on Emily’s rad blog and help bring her daughter home. How easy is that? Help click here for more information on their journey to adoption and how to purchase a sponsor spot!

And another no brainer way of helping a vulnerable child…buy a cute clutch!

While you are at it, buy a cute headband to go with your cute clutch. (I currently wear this one more than FireCracker).

Foster Kade Designs on etsy has amazingly cute headbands and bags….and all profits go towards helping a sweet family adopt. I love being a mom. I am blown away by how simple it is to help children that are in need. As a mom I can’t imagine not being able to provide for my kids. I can’t imagine them going to bed hungry because they had nothing to eat (verses going to bed hungry because they didn’t like what I cooked!) I want to help. I want to show others how easy it is to help.

So that is my little story. I am not in Africa living with orphans caring for them. I am in Oklahoma. I live a simple, ordinary life. I write a blog. I make crafts. I buy too many chairs. I recognize that changing the world isn’t rocket science and it isn’t hard. I don’t have to change the whole world, but if I can play a small part in changing the world for a few precious kids…sign me up!

I am hosting a giveaway for Foster Kade Designs today. I want to get the word out about this amazingly cute store, so I am giving you 3 chances to enter today. You should all enter, but buy an item too. These would make great Christmas gifts!

jessibee08 -i cant believe i am the first to comment! You can tell it is an early morning at our house:) so encouraging and right on; we can impact the world even from our living room! I have 2 nieces and nephews from Ethiopia and would also love to go to Africa to love on all the children, but get the rare opportunity to love on them here in OK! Fun how God works.

Joy -Thank you.

Danielle-what a beautiful post, my prayers go out to all of these organizations and families. i can’t wait to help out in what may seem the smallest way for me, but one of the biggest for these precious children.

Christie Tidd-Great post! Nice to hear about people’s dreams changing as life moves forward but always keeping them in their heart and helping another way. Love it!

Mallory @ R. Simple Life-What an awesome post. I have no kids yet, but I can’t wait to one day have kids and adopt kids and forget which ones were which.

Brittaney-I just bought one of those adorable headbands!
My husband and I hope to adopt one day. We’d like to do it sooner, but funds won’t permit. So, supporting someone else who feels the same way as us about helping children is what I’ll do for now!
Enjoyed your post!

Esther Nelson-I am leaving for Swaziland Africa on Wednesday! What a perfect post to read before I leave. God has big plans for Swaziland and I am so excited to be a part of it. This trip was a chance that I never thought I would get and even if I didn’t get it, I agree with you, that there are many ways to help others right where you live. I have been praying for 5 years to go on a mission like this and I think God’s timing is nothing short of perfect.

P.S. I used to live in Broken Arrow when I was little. My parents went to Rhema Bible College when I was 2 and we moved there from Florida.

Sabrina L-Wonderful post. I’ve been following the Anderson Family blog for awhile now and think they’re such a beautiful family. And I have to mention that I think the headbands you and Firecracker are wearing are some of the most gorgeous things ever. If I don’t win I’m going to have to order them! And the Amy Butler polka dot purses…

Sarah Balzac -You have such a gorgeous family!!

maria-ashley….best post ever. I had the same heart brokenness over africa and got to go as a nurse on a medical missions. I cried everyday i was there, it was all so overwhelming. adoption will be in our near future too!!! we sponsor a couple kids too@!! thanks for this giveaway, your blog is amazing and so is your heart.

Crystal -Great post…and great message!
Thank you for the inspiration you give me and i’m sure many others 😉

Simies-I love your blog, your way of life, you inspire me… Great idea with the letter “10 year dream”!
I have 3 own children and another 3 “adoptive” children in India and Uganda. Love your post today!
I live far away from you, but I would like to have you as a friend, I admire your family.

I am your new fan on Facebook too.

Kelly-I love that you said “I knew I wanted to love on babies that were not my own.” I’ve known that has been my “calling” for a long time too.
For a long while I thought it would be through adoption. In fact we were looking into adoption when we found out our oldest son was on the way. Now I don’t know if that will ever be part of it. Eventually I think we would like to get involved with the foster care system, give kids who are close to aging out of the system a place to call home. But right now, I’m helping my sister raise her girls. She’s a single mom who has to work a lot so the girls are here more often than not. Even though it’s hard to have five kids between the ages of 2 & 8, I love it!
Thanks for this post! It spoke right to my heart!

karen davis-wow, I am as well adopting, so whether i win or not, i will be supporting this sweet family!

karen davis-and I “like” you on facebook now… even though I “LOVE” your blog!

jill b. -Love your post… you have such an amazing heart. Do you blog at 5 am??? Just liked you on Facebook 🙂

Erin-I have wanted to adopt ever since I went to South Africa on a mission trip in college. What wonderful sources for helping others!

shauna -I love Foster Kade designs!!!! The amazing woman and mom that makes the gorgeous items I am lucky to call a FRIEND!!!! Can’t wait to meet your sweet baby girl, I am honored to help bring her HOME!!!

Pia-What a lovely post! I hope one day you`ll get your fifth child, adopted or not. And I hope one day you`ll visit Africa. I lived in Tanzania as a child, I I hope to bring my four children there one day.
Love the Foster Kade Designs!

Shannon-You are inspiring! Truly! What a great post about ways to share, and topping it off with a give, super sweet!

Shannon-OF COURSE I am following you on facebook now! Welcome to the club!!

Lori K -I love the quote – “I have 5 kids. One is adopted. I don’t remember which one.” I have been to Africa. Tanzania. I was swarmed by hundreds of children wanting to touch me, hug me and just get some attention from a stranger with blonde hair who had a huge smile and yet huge tears in her eyes the entire time. I could not believe the hunger, the ratty clothes and the big, brown eyes they had…longing for a better life. It changed me forever. Even today, I think about them and pray over that country. any country. I love the idea of supporting missions in any way – yes. I will buy a headband or two or three.

Kate-Holding my six week old daughter who joined our family through the miracle of adoption, I can’t think of a bigger blessing than adoption, and it truly does a whole team of supporters to make it possible.

Lori K -I like you on Facebook, who doesn’t???? let me know and I will have a talk with them.

Jamie -I LOVE the personal background to this post…it’s always great hearing from your heart! 🙂

Amy-I love your story, and I love Foster Kade designs (she also happens to be my cousin!) =) Thanks for making people aware of the needs of hungry children! I grew up in the Congo, and Africa will always have part of my heart.

Reidunn -You amaze me.
And I now also like your fb-page.

amy-what a lovely post. i keep telling my husband one day we will have a little asian baby girl living with us.

Erin Johnson-Wow, what an inspiring post. We have thought a lot about doing some fostering. With two kiddos under 4 and twins on the way, it isn’t quite our season, but that has always been a goal of mine. Thank you for reminding me of the importance to help and love those children that don’t have a cheering section!

Sarah-What a wonderful post Ashley! I think this needs to be added to the favorite posts tab! My husband and I have often talked about adopting one day. I have been feeling a need to help children lately. I’m still not sure in what capacity i’d like to pursue but this post sure it home today! i’ll be sure to ‘like’ you tonight when i get home!

Dana Laymon-We adopted a child thorugh world vision and a child in haiti through our church! no matter where you live, you can always do something!

Brianna -“Like” you on facebook, and posted about Kade Foster as well – on Facebook. Thanks!

Beth Phillips-being compassionate is something we could all use reminders about. thanks for always doing that.

Kate-Thank you for giving me a reminder of what’s important today. I needed that! The children are important … children everywhere. Now I want to go back to South Africa … 🙂

Erin -Love everything about this post! And…..IF I had a Facebook I would totally “like” you 😉

Rebecca-Your words have inspired me to action. Thank you for the reminder!

Danielle-I have been following you for a while, enjoying your beautiful photographs. I wanted to comment today on your inspiring post. I have been looking for a way to get my children involved in the world’s work and I think “adopting” a child in need is the perfect way. They can tangibly see the child and the differences we’ll be able to make in his/her life. Thank you for sharing your incredible dream and helping us to help children too!

As an aside, I LOVE those clutches and what an added bonus for your post!!

Kristi-I really enjoyed that post! Sometimes I really have the want to adopt and have even talked about it with the hubby! I just want to be able to give someone the love they deserve and we have plenty to go around here!!

cassie -I have two adopted siblings and I’ve always thought my family would look similar.

Brenda -My daughter has been following your blog for ages – now she has me hooked on it as well. Especially enjoyed today’s post!!

cassie -I also “liked” you on FB.

Kristi-So this may come through twice..your page said there was an error and deleted my comment! Anyways this post had great meaning behind it! I have thought about adpoting just because I would love to give a child the love they deserv!

ashley jensen -I now “like” you on facebook! Such an inspirational post today! It has help kick start me into doing the things I have been putting off! Thanks Ash!

Leah B -Ashley- I came across your blog a little over a year ago when I hardly knew what blogs were. I love that you post daily and it is always something of interest. You are great and the things you support are great! Keep it up.

Susan -Awesome story- such a blessing…You are a blessing in the lives of many, too!!

Anna Marie-Thank you for this post. I have been “hearing” a lot about adoption lately and each time I feel a little fire inside of me growing. I am not sure what it is but it just might be my Lord telling that we are to adopt someday. That makes me so nervous to type that but also so excited to think of the possibility. Wow!

Jessica -Love this post!

Susan -I “like” you on FB 🙂

Anna Marie-I “like’ you, I really “like” you (on Facebook and for reals)!

jenny-LOVE this post! God has given my church family a heart for Africa (Kenya) for years now and He has been so gracious to allow us to be just a little part of His plan for the lives over there.

Whether you are there (Kenya) or here (in the states), God has given you a love and a heart for these people and just as you said, there are many ways to walk in that without being there.
We all play a different role in His plan; some are sent there, some are prayer warriors for those there, some stay here where we are blessed with jobs and income and financially support people there…..He will use you.

Gonna go check out all of these great links now! 🙂

shauna -I like you on facebook!!!! I love your blog and your hope/ peace that you send out to the world!!!

Leah B -I posted on my facebook page about your post today.

Leah B -I also liked your page on facebook.

Nicole@FarmgirlChaos-I know numerous families adopting. The stories are just amazing. There is no doubt that God is behind the little things that make the adoptions actually happen.

Jessica M -This post was inspiring. We have friends who are adopting from Ethiopia and their journey has been amazing. Thank you for sharing your life with us 🙂 I am always blessed by reading your blog.

And thanks to you….I had to go and spend some money at Foster Kade Designs. But I was more than happy to do it! 🙂

heidi -this is a wonderful post.
thanks for sharing.

Elise -Ashley-
The Foster Kade clutches are so cute – imagine my surprise when I saw on Etsy that Foster Kade Designs in based in my hometown! What a small world.

I love your reading your blog every day, and even though I can’t relate to many of your day-to-day activities (you know, not having kids, not being married, and living in New York, just about as far as it gets from Oklahoma), you inspire me to me a better person and pursue the things that I love!

Have a great day,
Elise

Lauren Wells-Angie of Foster Kade Designs is a good friend and I am pleased to help her bring her sweet baby home in a small way 🙂 I liked your page on FB, and posted a link to both Foster Kade and your blog on FB. Thanks for helping my friend’s sweet family adopt from China.

heidi -you are “liked” on facebook.

Erika -I read Meg’s post yesturday and I am going out tonight to pick up some vitamins. I want to Brazil three years ago on a mission trip and can’t stop thinking aboout the faces of the children there, I can’t wait to go back.

emily anderson-ah, thanks so much ashley for posting about our story!
if we could all have a heart as big as yours, this world would be mighty different.

LaurenS -this is such great info to help support adoption/children, which to me is ultimately spreading the gospel of Christ. thanks!

Erika -Oh and I also just liked your facebook page.

Erika -I just liked your facebook page 🙂

LaurenS -i liked you on facebook!

Summer C. -I loved this post. I hope to adopt a little girl someday!

Kristin Eldridge -I LOVE this.

Kristin Eldridge -I fbook “like” you.

Summer C. -I “liked” you on F.B. 🙂

Lesley-First off, I love the last photo of you and Firecracker! So cute!!

Lori-Great post, Ashley! I am so glad to hear that you’ve joined the masses on Facebook 🙂 Have a wonderful day!

Jess-I love KadeFoster and her beautiful designs. I am also inspired by this and feel grateful that I can contribute to bringing her little girl home!

melissa-I “like you” on Facebook! I found a letter to myself like that a few years ago. Apparently I expected my future self to be a wall street exec. Not even close.

Jen V.-Hi Ashley…love this post and your great spirit. I had a trainer once tell me that we should embrace the changes in our lives we didn’t see a year ago…because who would want to live a life that turned out exactly as we planned it, without change, without uncertainty, without surprise and delight? You life is extraordinary, especially to your adorable little ones.

Katy Alexander -Amazing post, Ashley. It was like reading the words of my soul mate (in a non-creepy way). I have always planned on adoption. My fiance and I look forward to the day we can bring joy to one of the many children out there stuck in the system or perhaps from another country, regardless of appearance. A child is a child. I’ve been going to school with hopes of social work in my future and working full-time as a legal assistant where I met my future business partner. We’re working on opening a non-profit for children of New Orleans (our home) to help them achieve their goals and empower them with confidence and give the opportunities which they their families may not have been capable of providing otherwise. Needless to say – children are our passion. I followed the link to Meg’s blog post about the vitamins and it brought tears to my eyes instantly. I’ll be stocking up on vitamins on my next grocery trip. It’s the least I could do.

Keep being awesome and inspiring!

Jen V.-Oh, and I “liked” you on FB too…you’re right, the concept is a little weird 🙂

Heather -i have one of those timelines too.. i love reading where i thought id be. and i love that since you havent been able to actually go to africa and care for kids.. you’ve found ways to support them from here (little dresses, etc) and have involved your kids!!! thanks for sharing parts your life with us 🙂

Heather -oh and welcome to facebook.. i like your page!!

Raychel -What a great post – and your 10 year plan that is a reality couldn’t seem to be any better from this angle! God is truly Amazing – and boy am I glad He’s in control of our lives!!

Dena -Love this post. Love the pictures of you and Firecracker. Love the headbands. Love your blog.

Just sharing the love today 😉

Raychel -What a great post!! And your 10 year plan that is a reality doesn’t sound like it could get any better from this angle!! God is truly AMAZING in setting out the path for our lives!!

Stacy Littlejohn -I “liked” you on my Facebook. Truth is I love your site – it has quickly become a favorite. I check it daily. You are refreshing and incredibly talented and I always get so excited about your posts!

katie -i recently found your blog and i LOVE it! thank you so much for sharing this story today! i always find it helpful to look for other and new ways to support those less fortunate than myself.

Tess S.-great post, ashley. it’s amazing to look back at the person you were 10 (12) years ago and think about all the blessings you didn’t ask for. personally i never imagined being where i am today and i’m so thankful for all the goodness in my life.

Cassie-Oh geez, I’m balling. Guess that’s another effect of being a mom. 🙂

Shannon{photos by shannon} -Those headbands and clutches are soo cute! Definitely on my christmas list! I hope you get to go to Africa someday!

Rachel Gray-Thank you for this post! I’m a college instructor, and today is the day I have my students “dream big”… they’ll be drawing a picture of their ideal future – 5-10 year goals.

This post is inspiring, to see that you did it on your own!

I need to dream big for my future right now along with my students today, and this post was a great reminder of that. THANK YOU!

Christine -I love it when I find something I wrote a long time ago….what a great post.

Christine -I “liked” you on facebook…I can’t wait to see your updates!

amanda torres-beautiful post. i love that you forgot about your 10 year letter. i’m sure at 18 that seemed incomprehensible that you would forget something so important, but as life has moved children have a way of sneaking in.

Christine -I “liked” you on facebook. I can’t wait to see your posts!!!

Kelsey-I just loved this post! I have friends that are really involved with missions in Kenya as well as friends that just came home with their son from Ethopia so I greatly enjoyed reading! Also, the handbags and headbands are SO cute!!!

Emily-Oh, I am loving those purses, and thank you for sharing your story!

Alisa -Great post with an amazing message! God Bless!

Alisa -Liked you on Facebook ?

Angie-I want that purse and I want her to have her baby!!! I plan I doing the other two bonus comments AND buy many Christmas gifts!!!

Candice-Thank you for this. We’ve sponsored a child for three years via World Vision. Her name is Salha and she is from Tanzania. I cannot say enough about this fabulous organization and what they do for children.

Christine -Thank you so much for this post. I’ve been thinking about little ways to help other families like mine that either have difficulty conceiving children or can’t have a biological child. When we were going through fertility treatments we considered adoption and even now that we have our beautiful 8 month old twins I think someday we will adopt to expand our little family of four. I absolutely love your blog. I read it daily. You inspire me to be more present in my children’s lives and become more connected with the planet. I’ve posted about the clutches on my FB page and plan to buy one too. You are so amazing, keep doing what you do!

Kellie Ann -Once again, your post gives me hope that this world is a beautiful place.
You are such a great mom!

Dee -Love the post. I am a mom by international adoption–my baby is now 13!

Beth -And I liked you on facebook! 🙂

Michelle-I love it that you are sharing these ways to help…it puts it in such practical terms and ways that we can support this. I love it. Thanks for sharing, Ashley!!!

Kelly W -“liked” you on facebook!

Carrie -Such an inspiring post. Thank you for reminding me that even the smallest gestures can make an impact.

Shannon Knight -You are so inspiring! Thanks so much!

Kelly W -I’ve spent a lot of time living and working in Africa. The children melt my heart every single day. If I ever wonder why I do the work that I do, I just have to look at one of those sweet children and I know it is all worth it. Thanks for raising awareness with your readers Ashley!!

Heather-i think this is marvelous!!! your an inspiration to so many. and you have great taste in handmade shops!!

Allison -That is a very inspiring post. I know a family in Wichita, KS who just spent 2 years over in Africa helping others. The husband is a doctor and worked in the hospital. Their story was absolutely incredible and everything their family went through over there is unbelievable. They have 4 kids now. 2 when they started in Africa, had one while they were there, and now another since they have been back. They remind me of you and your family. Very inspirational, spiritual and not selfish in the least. I strive to be more like them. And I am totally buying a clutch, they are so stinkin cute!

Candice-And now I’ve “liked” you on FB. Did you know that you can set it up so that your blog posts automatically post to the notes section of your Facebook? It’s very convenient.

Lindsey Laudeman -Your post reminded me of my freshmen year in high school when I went to Mexico on a mission trip. While we were there we visited an orphanage. It was truly a life changing experience and one I will never forget.

Trudy-I had a dream as a girl too. A little different but it involved adoption too. Sitting with one of those little dreams on my lap right now. Great inspiring post!

Lindsey Laudeman -Your post brought back memories of when I was in high school and went to Mexico on a mission trip. While we were there we got a chance to visit an orphanage. It was truly a life changing experience and something I will never forget.

melanie -I love you and you’re a great friend. The Lord knew exactly how to use you to encourage me when I was in Africa…thank you!

shelly@familyblt-I love that you post about things you’re passionate about supporting. We support a young man in India 🙂

Emily-I saw Meg’s blog the other day, and I’m excited to send out some vitamins!

Camille Garrison-posted on twitter. you rock. my husband and i lived in africa all of 2009 and i saw a lot of that. i actually volunteered at an orphanage, and i’ll never be the same.

becky -I too have a heart for kids. I never expected it but becoming a mother has changed my outlook tremendously. I hope to foster children in the future but with the rules and restrictions on housing a foster child we can’t do it right now. Thanks for posting this story!

Nancy -I “like” you! (on facebook)
another great way to keep me updated on everything sycamore

Sophie -This is such an inspiring post. I’m hoping to go to Africa with my school in June! We have a yearly trip to The Gambia and this time I should be going. I’d be going to a school that my school is linked with a helping to teach all the little children. We’d also do some kind of construction project while we’re there to benefit the children and the school. Last year it was making mud bricks to build a wall around the school to keep the children safe from wild animals, and the year before that it was building enclosures for chickens, goats and other animals which they bought for them while they were there.

This post has only further confirmed to me how much I want to go and help them.

Sarah @ Comfort and Joy-A very inspiring post. Thank you for sharing something so meaningful with us! It was a lovely read for me this morning.

lifeologia-Beautiful post.
My sister went to Tanzania to teach at an orphanage at the age of 21. She did a great fundraiser for it as well. She’s my little inspiration – just like you Ashley and Meg as well.
I love these hair accessories so much – great for kids and moms to share ;D

Brittny D -I love hearing about how God edits our life plans and finds fun ways to bless so many people in the process of completing our own creativity.. I said this before on facebook.. but thank you again for sharing all of these great fun ways to help change the world : )

Michelle Monk-Hey Ashley! I don’t want to be entered in the contest, just wanted to tell you about some friends of mine. They are the Starling family and they run A Place of Hope orphanage in Nigeria, Africa. Their journey is amazing. While recently driving the orphan children to church in their newly acquired van, bandits pulled them over. They shot Joey in the face and stole the new vehicle. Amazingly enough through God’s sovereignty Joey survived and is now in the states receiving plastic surgery for his wounds. Please pray for their ministry and for the orphans while Joey and his family are away. They want so badly to return to their children. They have an amazing ministry there and like you, I hope to one day visit Africa, specifically their orphanage. Their website is http://www.aplaceofhopeafrica.org Thanks for posting this!! Touched my heart definitely!

Moriah -You never cease to inspire me. I don’t know you, but I feel like we are friends anyway. Thanks for the wonderful post!

Lesley-Thirdly, I did tweet about it with a link back to your blog. P.S. Sweet P is laughing a lot more!!!

Genevieve-It’s so inspiring to see you give so much Ashley, and yet still have a wonderful life with your family! It really inspires the rest of us to do the same. I love that clutch and those headbands, such a wonderful shop! Thank you so much for this post!

KaraM-Lovely post! We’re currently waiting on my nephew to make it home to the loving arms of our family. I can’t wait to love on him, squeeze his chubby chinese cheeks, and pray for him in person!! Also can’t wait to get some complete family photos.

Nadine -It is so awesome that you are using your blog to do something productive in this world. Not that there is anything wrong with just posting what is going on in your life, but it is amazing that you are able to use your “platform” to make a difference in this world.

Raechel-what a great shop! and even more, what a great cause – one dear to our hearts! Just six weeks ago my sister and brother-in-law returned from Ethiopia with two little boys (my nephews!). They are such a blessing in our lives and such a great picture of the Gospel in action!

Tysha-Well, I always loved your blog (and all you do!) but now I “like” you on Facebook! Thanks for all the positives!

paige rodriguez -What an ADORABLE etsy shop, I’ve saved it as a favorite and will be ordering for sure. Thank you for giving us great links all the time!! I would LOVE to win something for myself!! 🙂

keisha-God bless you and your family, and thanks for the inspiration. Sometimes I get overwhelmed thinking about all the kids that need help. Feeling bad because I can’t help them all, so I do nothing because I don’t know where to begin. And I know that doesn’t make sense, so I vow to do something – anything! And PS, I love when God shocks me like that too! 🙂

Kim -Thanks for sharing this post Ashley. I also just bought one of those super cute headbands!

Molly-I love this. I actually just wrote a post on my blog about what people can do for orphans, despite their circumstances. There are so many easy things we can do for orphans and children in need.

Kathleen -Liked you on facebook – I hope you find fb useful and helpful!

Kathleen -You are a true inspiration – thank you for this beautiful post!

Michelle-Thank you for posting this. . . raising this kind of awareness is really great. We are about to have our first child but pray that the next child God chooses for our family won’t come out of my body.

Sharon Franklin -I too have felt that way all my life. I commend you for your caring concern for all the unfortunate children without someone to care for them in the way all children should be cared for.
Hallelujah!

ali -love the matchy-matchy pics! she’s just so gosh darn cute! =]

Erin -What a neat idea to write a 10 dream letter…might have to try that!

Savannah -I am only 22 but your life plan sounds exactly the same as mine did! I am kind of realizing the same thing. I sponsor two children from Tanzania and kenya, and mynew goal is to find products to buy that help causes like clean water, adoption aid, and rice distribution.
I have been to Africa 3 times and I tell you there is NOTHING like it. Go, go, go! It will absolutely change your life.

Kathy -Hi Ashley,
I found you on FB last night and love reading through all your posts – it’s inspiring.

Kathy -I just came back from South Africa earlier this week. It was never something I had considered doing earlier in life, but our church has an ongoing partnership with an orphanage, a community development group and home health care workers near Johannesburg. It was eye-opening to say the least and now I have so much to process as I come back to a comfortable life in the States.

Jess-Beautiful post. It’s so encouraging to hear of wonderful things in my blog rounds instead of the rotten things on the mainstream news. You are inspiring.

Sarah-I love this post! We just adopted a baby girl from Congo this year. I also want to move to Africa. We’ll see. I volunteer for a non-profit that supports the children of Congo if you ever want to check it out. It’s onesmallstepfund.org.

Katie-I have to say that I LOVE your blog! As a friend of Angie’s, we tried out your bleach tye-dyed shirts. Quite the adventure, let me tell you! It is still my three year old’s current obessession! In regards to Angie and the adoption, I am super happy to help her out! I have already picked up one of her headbands, and can’t wait to buy a bag!! Thank you so much for your part in this. Oh, and I am quite happy you are on facebook, so I can stay more up to date with you!

Allison -“liked” you on facebook! I am sure many more people will like it too and you will have lots of fans!!!

Allison -I like the fact that there are so many ways that we can help others less fortunate than us. I hope to show my kids how blessed we are and how we can share that with others! It is always good to be reminded!!!!!

Holly T -I thought I would be working on a cruise ship and living somewhere exotic! Reality, I work at home and I live in Michigan. I did get my man though.

Teresa Hill-You are an AMAZING woman! Such an inspiration to me. I just found your blog 3 days ago and I can not stop reading it. Thanks for all that you do!

Amber -My SIL and family are contemplating adopting a sibling group from Ethiopia. They’ve been trying to adopt domestically for almost 3 years. I can’t wait to see how God is going to grow their family.

Danielle-Wow,I LOVE these headbands and bags. What a great idea to support an even better cause.

Whitney-Love this post. Thanks for the beautiful story! ANd thanks for the headband tip!

Holly T -I also liked your page on my facebook, so glad you made a page.

Noelle -Love this post! I will be buying some clutches and headbands asap!

Cassie -It is so nice to hear others who are so passionate at helping children. So many children need strong advocates for them, and how fantastic that you have a public voice to do so. What a wonderful dream you have.

Noelle -Liked you on Facebook!

Cassie -Posted about Foster Kade Designs on facebook 🙂

Cassie -Like you on FAcebook!

Becky -I love that you have provided simple, practical ways to help out families and children in need of families. I work for an adoption agency and the cost can be so prohibitive which is so sad when there are millions of kiddos around the world.

Becky -2nd comment of the day! I just “liked” your facebook page.

Katie -That bag is ridiculous! And for a good cause? The perfect way to justify it!

Amy Lowry -I’m very excited you are a Facebooker now! I’m not sure why as you’re blog is the first thing I check in the morning, not sure why I need to look at your FB page but I’m glad nonetheless!

jenny-hey,
i posted on my blog about this and also decided to do a giveaway as well. In order to win on my blog, my readers have to come check out this post and Foster Kade Designs and then leave me a comment telling me about their favorite item in the shop.
Hope this helps! 🙂http://www.teapotsandrobots.blogspot.com check it out.

amanda Hayes -love the headbands!! Thank you for a lovely giveaway..

Michelle -What a great post!! Foster Kade designs are beautiful….I’m off to check them out! 🙂

Kristin S-And… great post. Sweet and precious reminder. I’m NOWHERE near where I thought I’d be 17 years out of college. I thought I’d have a huge family of kiddoes swirling around my jumpered self (that was the 90’s remember) while I served my husband.
I’m single and content but haven’t given up on my dream of serving a husband and children.

Krista H -Amazing! Helping a child in any way is always worth it. We currently sponsor 2 children through Compassion and hope to sponsor many many more in the future. What seems so small to us, is such a huge help and blessing to those children and my husband and I are thankful for the freedom to be able to make a difference in these children’s lives Thanks so much for some other ideas for helping. And I love the hairbows and clutches, I think I may have to have a little looksie at them. Christmas is just around the corner!

christina larsen -Ok, So I already like you on facebook, but I will respond to this post. I love your heart for adoption; it is similiar to mine. Obviously, since we just brought home Olivia. Awesome story, and you never know what else God will have you do. He is always coming up with new things to surprise us. 🙂

Jill R -I just posted about you on Facebook!

Rebecca -What a lovely post!!! Thanks for sharing photos of the cute headbands and clutches!!

Sara -thank you for this awesome post. Truly touching to a mother’s heart.

Sara -I was pretty freaked out by facebook too in the beginning,now it’s a fun way to stay in touch with my siblings spread across the country. I just “liked” you on there.

Becky Z -I love how God gives people so many ways to “love on” others! From one mom to another: thank you!

Tara -I love those clutches…I am on my way to check them out now:) Great post!

andy-liked u you facebook
glad you got it all figured out
it can be overwhelming
just dont get sucked into farmville or anything like that 🙂

Kenna S -Such an inspiring post. Thanks for sharing your dreams with us. PS – my baby girl would look adorable in one of these headbands!

rachel -I LOVE your blog. Other than Pioneer Woman, it’s probably my favorite blog to read daily! Loved this post – what a great reminder that even in the little things we can help.

Deanna-Love the post! We have just sponsored a child through Compassion. After much research on the subject it was the organization we liked the most. Our sponsored little boy is Ricardo and is 5 years old and lives in Dominican Republic. 🙂

Becky -Thank you for reminding me of the importance of giving of ourselves to other children around the world. I need to look into sponsoring a child – it is something that I would love for my children to learn about and grow up with.

Becky -I “like” you on facebook now 🙂

Misty Bradley-I was just wondering yesterday where that headband was from! Thanks for another great post.

Heather -Love it! Love the story, love the clutch… love it all 🙂

Heather -I like you for sure on Facebook! 🙂

Sharon -Love your story! We have 3 kids, one homegrown and two from the miracle of international adoption. I feel your emotion and share it with you. There were 140 kids in our chidren’s orphanage and it was HEARTBREAKING to leave them. We continue to support them through a ministry in country and we plan to make a mission trip with our children when they are old enough to understand what they are seeing.

I so understand looking at each child through the eyes of a mother. Sometimes it’s just heartbreaking…like the other day at school when I went to eat lunch with my middle child. There was a little girl laying with her head on the table one seat over from me. I watched for moment and then started asking questions. Have you eaten? “NO” Honey why not? “Because I don’t want them to yell at me because I don’t have any money.” What?? What did I just hear?? The child was HIDING so that she wouldn’t have to be shamed in from of other kids. Oh I don’t think so! The Mommy in me came roaring out and you KNOW that the little girl had everything she could stuff in her mouth. I also had a discussion with the cafeteria staff as well as the office. The little girl is covered for the next 30 days at which time I’ll head back up there to make sure they have their ducks in a row, so to speak.

Kenna S -Consider yourself posted on my blog and facebook.

ali-I love those headbands! My husband and I had started the adoption process (from Ethiopia) earlier this year when we unexpectedly found out I was pregnant. Maybe next year…. 🙂

Kenna S -Consider yourself “liked” on facebook!

Kristen -Foster Kade Designs are amazing!! hope i win!!

Kristen -I have ‘liked’ you on Facebook! Glad you’re on there now!

Shawna -Cute headbands and clutches for a great cause.

Rena Frey-How crazy that that woman ended up staying at your neighbor’s house?!! I love how small the world is sometimes! I liked you on facebook and wrote a comment about Foster Kade Designs on my wall. The bags are so cute! Thanks for your amazing global perspective and adoption support. It’s a good daily reminder. 🙂

Cath-Your post made my heart aware and it made me want to help too. When I was younger I was able to talk with someone my age and I saw how different our lives were. I lost contact because I never knew her address (since our school gave us the letters). I’d love to write again to someone and help them but I don’t even know where to start to be honest. Lately I’ve been searching volunteers programs during the summer but they’re so expensive that I’ll think I’ll stick with helping in some other way. I’m checking out the links you gave us and I’ll wait for other iniciatives to become part of.
(I liked you in facebook 🙂 )

Ruth-Your story feels similar to mine in how I was SURE God had called me to overseas missions and could not see any other plan. Theeen I got married and had a baby all in the same year and all of a sudden my big dreams of Africa started to look way out of reach. For now anyways. So thankful to be able to still be involved all the way over here through Compassion!

We just added to our Compassion family yesterday and I have been on a “Tell Everyone About COMPASSION!!!” kick all week. I blogged about it (to whoever reads it…) and facebooked about it like crazy. Totally excited to see Compassion all over the internet!

L.Love-I’m not even sure I know how to post a comment, but here goes nothin.
I just read this post and I had to tell you that I love love love your blog, I check it every day– but this one was great cause I love when people share their dreams, cause everyone has them. I think your dream is beautiful.
I had a dream to move to Spain and tell Spanish college students about God, and I’m doing it. Whoa boy it’s hard sometimes, but it’s the difficult things that are the best.
And if I figure out how to “like” you on facebook, I’ll do it asap.

L.Love-ya ha! I figured it out! You are now officially liked by me on facebook. but seriously. in real life too.

Sarah -This post almost made me cry. Ashley, as a “new” adoptive mother, I’m so eager to spread the word to others about the importance of orphan care. I think so many people also think the only way to help is to actually be in an orphanage or to adopt… which God MAY lead some to do, but they are steps not everyone can take or will be called to do. Thank you for showing some simple yet important ways that everyone can contribute… whether it be vitamins, sponsoring a child or just getting the word out to others. Your passion is contagious and it’s exciting to see how God is using you in a way you never even dreamed possible 10 years ago. Thank you for what you are doing. And thank you to all those people I may never meet who played a part in the care of my son when he was in Korea and who helped us raise the funds to bring him home to our family forever. God is SO good!

stephanie -i too hope to say i have five children, one is adopted, but i don’t remember which. i really really heart that.

Colleen-I love this post and am so glad you wrote it. These children need more advicates. This really makes my heart smile and I want to help!
I love these headbands and need some for me and my Little Pea of a daughter. 🙂

Alina-what a fun giveaway. i’d love to win-the cluth with the red flowers is dreamy!

Just home from travelling to Guatemala with Compassion Bloggers — and your post makes my heart sing!

Thank you for all that you do, Ashley Ann!
You are changing the world…

All’s grace,
Ann Voskamp

Jessica H.-Hi! I will graduate from college in December and I have felt the same way that you felt in high school for a while now! I just feel like I should be doing something. I have had the opportunity to travel to Ukraine and Russia to work with children and orphans there. I also support two compassion kids and they are such a blessing! I hope to be able to do more in the future! It’s nice to be reminded that others feel the same way I do! 🙂 Thanks for the opportunity to win!
Jessica

Sue Benson -Wonderful post. Thank you for a chance to win!
Sue Benson

Kat-That clutch is too cute! I love you gave more than once chance to win it! 😉

Jodi-First of all, very inspiring post. There are so many ways to help and share and it’s important to be reminded of how and when we should do this.

2nd–the disclosure was not necessary. One of things I love about your blog is that there is nothing selfish about it. You have really never asked much of your readers. It’s always so natural and honest.

3rd–those handbags and headbands are simply magnificent!

4th–I had no idea you could add a FB social plugin. See what you taught me about FB on your first day! I have to go and try that out!

Keep up the good work Ashley!

Kat -Great post! Thank you for sharing all the simple ways we can help!

Candice Vasquez -Thank you. Thank you for reminding me of my “big picture” life plan. It’s always been my dream to teach children less fortunate than others or with special needs. But when you have to work full time and go to school full time you loose sight of what the end really is!!!! The stress of life sets in and the dream of helping quickly fades! So thank you for giving the pile of unfinished homework meaning again!!!

Jessica Haskett-I LOVE that quote. What an inspiration. I worked for OKDHS for 6 months- one of the hardest things I have ever done in my life. I always love that billboard that says “There is no such thing as an unwanted adopted baby.”

Jessica Haskett-And….I liked you on Facebook. Me and every other awesome person out there- as I said…500+ likes in a couple of days? You are my hero. 🙂

robyn -great post. adorable clutches and headbands 🙂

robyn -i like you on facebook!

Jodi-Oops put my comment in the wrong post. I liked you on FB and I figured out the social icon! Not bad for a girl who really has no clue about “code” or anything remotely close to it. Thanks!

laurie robinson -In 11th grade I wrote out a ten year plan as well, its funny how we don’t change all that much as we grow up! Same heart, same desires, just a little more wisdom and hopefully grace for the journey.

Leslie B-My husband and I are currently going through the process of becoming foster parents with the hopes of adopting- I love hearing from others who feel the same way about adoption as me! Beautiful post!

Carol Van Boening -Loved this message. I was a foster mother in San Diego, CA for 30 years and made a difference in the lives of over 300 children and babies. You can love foster children right here at home in OK and show your own children the true meaning of Love and Caring. Keep up the good work. Spread the Word.

Kellie Ann -I like you on Facebook 🙂

jessibee08 -posted this as a link on my facebook wall!!! I love adoption~ 🙂 what a joy to give in such a way.

M for Short-Have been following your blog for some time now, since FireCracker’s first swing ride, I think. Your family is stunning, on the outside, but from what I continue to read on your posts, it is a true reflection of what is on the inside.

M for Short-Foster Kate Designs posted on my FB page, check! Also crediting you as the ‘by way of’.

M for Short-And yes, I ‘like’ you on FB. But how do I select ‘more than like’?

Mommy Chau -love your blog!

Julie J -Thanks for sharing such great ideas. I also thought I would be working at an orphanage but in Brazil. I am currently single but thought at this point I would have many kids ao a couple years ago I starting sponsoring a little girl and little boy with Compassion. I pray that it makes difference in their lives and that they know they are loved by me and God.

Lisa Pemberton -Great post! I was also chosen by a little girl half way across the world after already being a mom to four little boys. There is nothing better.

Ali Richardson-Thank you for reminding us all how simple it is to help. It truly isn’t hard to make the world a better place, especially if we all do it in little bits. Thanks for the reminder and the inspiration. You rock!

Darcy-Fantastic post. My cousin and her husband are bringing back a sweet little girl from Ethiopia this weekend! We are so excited for them – it’s been a loooong process. I’ve been busy sewing and crocheting but man! that’s some cute stuff there!

Jamie Herring-Hey Ashley! I love love LOVE your blog. It is currently my most visited blog:) I just wanted to tell you that adoption has really been on my heart lately, and I am so glad you are using your blog as a platform to change the world. Kudos!

Carol V. -Everytime I read your blog, I like you more and more.

Carol V. -Liked you on Facebook! So excited to see you there.

Carol V. -Shared Foster Kate Designs on Facebook. Thank you for sharing that. Once again I am inspired.

Amanda -Thank you for this. So inspiring. So beautiful. Everything about it. I love it.

Amanda -I “like” you on Facebook! Oh the wonderful/addicting world of Facebook.

Rachel Strietzel-I recently found your website and love it! My in-laws are missionaries in Africa, and I got to visit two years ago. My husband and I are planning on living there in the future, Lord willing.

Michelle -A friend of mine adopted a little girl from gautamala what a great way to change the life of a child forever.

Michelle -I “liked ” you on FB.

Amber McIntyre -I adore your blog and am happy to see you on Facebook. I too share a dream of adoption. My husband and I both want a big, blended family. The adoption quote is my new favorite. I just had my first 8 months ago and cannot believe all of the wonderful ways it has changed me. I want to be a better person everyday because of my sweet baby girl. Thanks for all of the great ideas (I am stealing several for Christmas gifts this year) and your beautiful words of inspiration.

Tina -Love these pics! You have a beautiful family! Love your blog.

Charlotte -I really loved this blog. I currently support by microloans, via Kiva.org, which is interesting because money can do good more than once….
Thanks for this great blog.

Chelsea -i love the letter you wrote yourself years ago, and that so many of the dreams you had are still close to your heart. they may have not taken shape the way you imagined, but they are still important to you and it shows

shannon michaelis -We are struggling with getting prego with #2. After fertility we might be adopting in the next year as well. This blog post touched me in so many ways. Love that she is raising money for her own adoption!

Kirra Sue-Thanks so much for this. It made me all teary. I have lately been so encouraged that there is so much work to do right in our own neighborhoods- and that there are many ways to help those hurting overseas without needing to pack up and move there (not that that is bad- it’s amazing- but just not what the Lord has for everyone). So thanks for reminding us all that every little bit helps. I’ll be sharing this etsy shop for sure. Thanks again!

amanda -this post as defiantly inspired me. i feel so lucky to have been born into this country that i have the ability and resources to help those in need. this has made me think about what i can do to help those in need. i’m not married, don’t have any kids but what a great goal to set. thanks for this post!

amanda -and i became a fan on facebook!

monique -thanks for the inspiration

Ingrid -what a lovely post – i love how you remind us that small changes can make a difference – it motivates me to take action 🙂 thank you x

Ingrid -and i put a link to this post on my facebook page… love the foster kate products and what she is doing!

Ingrid -and did i mention i liked you facebook page – of course! love seeing you on there 🙂

Jill -LOVE the cute headbands and clutches! What a wonderful cause!

Jill -I also LIKE you on Facebook!

Audrey -I love when blogs do good things to help people! I lived in West Africa (Senegal to be exact) for six of the most amazing months of my life. It was truly a blessing and I hope you and everyone else can spend time realizing their dreams.

Teresa Johnson-I can absolutely relate with your desire to care for children who go hungry and don’t have families to care for them. And that’s why my husband and I are adopting two little boys from the Democratic Republic of Congo.

We’re hoping to welcome them home by Christmas of this year (crossing our fingers and praying a lot 🙂

And what an awesome woman to sponsor adoption with her Etsy store!

Thanks, Teresa

Shanalea-Funny how that can happen. Our plans seem to change as God changes our lives.

Jessika Mak-I just wrote you an email subject “Hello from Toronto, Canada” with an idea of mine before I came to here to read this marvelous entry of yours about how you want to care for children through a mum’s eyes. I love how my God shocks me too!!
I “like”-ed your blog on FB! I also stumbled across the fact that your hubby is a pastor in a very missional church!! Just another one showing my God constantly surprises me too!!
Also liking very much Foster Kade Design!

taylor -Wow her stuff is so cute and she looks adorable! What a gorgeous family! Such a wonderful cause too!

Marykay -Love your blog! I am sure it is not a coincidence, but I read this post minutes after listening to a radio program on orphan care and adoption… praying about what God is calling us to do!

Brooke-What a beautiful story. ♥ and what amazing items she creates. I hope them all the best with their journey to adopt, & will help in anyway possible to help make their dream come true.

Marykay -I liked you on facebook!!!!

Marykay -I just posted about Foster Kade on my facebook… and I am in love with the Penny Love II clutch!

sherry -Liked you on FB 🙂

sherry -Such a great cause!! Thank you!

Jaclyn -This story is great Ashley! I have always thought I would adopt as well. I am still hoping that we are able to in the future. The pictures of Firecracker are precious!

Jaclyn -You have been liked on Facebook 🙂

Sunnymama -Wonderful post. We adopted a baby girl from Korea who is deaf. She is the most precious gift. I love adoption and especially special needs! Your doing a great job from your living room!

MelissaM-It’s amazing how God created that desire in your heart 12 years ago and in His perfect timing, is fulfilling that dream today. Maybe not as you envisioned then, but exactly how He envisioned in His perfect plan. Thanks for sharing!

MelissaM-This was posted on my FB page today!! “For anyone with a heart for adoption, this blog has an inspiring and moving post: http://www.ashleyannphotography.com. She suggests many ways to support adoption and/or to “adopt” children in other countries by partnering with their parents in providing for their basic needs. She is an amazing mom and sweet friend.”

MelissaM-Ashley, you are now officially “Liked” on my FB page. 🙂 I know you are probably totally cracking up at all the newness of FB. 🙂

ordinary can be extraordinary. And I do believe that even though you speak of living a simple, ordinary life. You do extremely extraordinary things with the resources you have.

I have liked your page, and I will spread the word about Foster Kade Designs. & I leave this comment, but I don’t do these things for the give away.

I do it because you have opened my eyes. I will be buying vitamins today, in mass quantities… & shipping them out as soon as I can.

You make a big difference, Ashley.

Thank you for making a big difference. 🙂

Carrie Bowers-Ashley!!! Every time I read your blog, I get so excited…we have so much in common! My husband has been a pastor for the past 8 years, and just took a group of college kids to Kenya in March of 2010…he’s been twice, and I want to go some day. He just left his job here in Pgh and we are moving to State College, Pa (Penn State) to start up a non-profit ministry for college kids (leadership, mentoring, etc) one of our goals is to partner back with Kenya and get our college kids to mentor young Kenyans. There is a ministry in Kenya that my husband worked with while there called Beacon of Hope…it reaches out to Moms and children with HIV (if it’s something you want to look into). We don’t know what everything will look like as we are in the beginning stages of starting up the non-profit, and filing paper work, but we are excited to see what God has in store! We also sponsor 3 children through Compassion…a boy in Brazil, a girl in India and another girl in Uganda…it’s a great organization! Thanks for your post!! I loved it!

Carrie Bowers-I reposted this to my facebook to pass along to the kids who went to Kenya with my husband! Thanks again!

Cindy -Wow, I love that you had a dream and are living it! Love how easy it is to help kids in need!!! Great post!!!

Lizzie-Oh. my. goodness. I feel like this post was perfect for me at this point in my life. seriously. We cannot have any more kids and are planning on adopting and have been racking our brains trying to think of ways to raise money to adopt internationally. This post gave me some more ideas. You are wonderful. Thank you for your thoughts.

jessica h-your post today resonated so much with my own feelings about my “plan” that isn’t at ALL turning out like I planned–ha ha–it’s way more ordinary and yet so, so great because it’s His 🙂 thanks for keeping all of us ordinary people in the blog world focused on the simple joys of being able to help others…

jessica h-I posted about your post on FB! we sponsor a little guy in Asia through GFA, another GREAT organization–thanks for the post today; who knew technology would be able connect us with doing so much good so swiftly and easily??? keep the ideas coming!!

JoLynn-These clutches and headbands are soo cute!! Love them! Might have to buy myself one even if I don’t win. 🙂 Thanks for the post and the giveaway.

robin-Wonderful post. Being an adoptive mom of many (21 to be exact, 16 were adopted and I, also, cannot remember which ones are which)I loved this post. There are so many children all over this world that need parent/s.

Natalie-I went to Haiti when i was 16 and again at 18. I knew from my first visit that I wanted to adopt a little boy from there. 10 years later I have 3 little girls of my own, and I am still holding onto the dream of adopting my little haitian boy.

Jeannette -Inspiring, as usual!

Michelle -You are always inspiring .. thanks for that today.

Conni M -What a wonderful start to a Monday morning … perspective! You are an amazing person, and so very talented ..
Happy Monday!

jessibee08 -i posted about this blog and her shop on fb!!!!!!! fingers crossed~

Samantha S.-The headbands are so darling! We’re hoping to {try to} adopt after #3… we actually had one fall through before we got pregnant with Ellie {she decided to parent}.

signe -My little brother was adopted from South Korea and my parents did foster care when I was young. I totally understand that quote. Thanks for another great post!!

signe -My parents did foster care while my sister and I were growing up. When I turned 10, my parents adopted my little brother from South Korea. I completely understand that quote because our family wasn’t complete until my brother came along.

Susan W -Thank you. You inspire me to do more and to find joy in the everyday life.

Brooke-Ashley, I think it’s amazing that you are an advocate for children. I feel the same way about caring for children overseas and specifically in Africa. I just have always felt as though the Lord wanted that for our family, and so does my hubby. I hope to advocate to more people about helping others….helping orphans.
The thing I love most about you is the fact that you do so much with NO SELFISH GAIN involved. I am sure you enjoy helping, but you don’t do things only to benefit yourself. For that, I really want to thank you.
Love, Brooke 🙂

Cindy -Enjoyed reading this post and learning more about your journey.

Amy D. -Love the clutch! Love the post… My husband are wrestling over whether we should adopt… Love the links… Um, maybe God is trying to tell me something today?!

Amy D. -liked you on facebook.

Kelly J. R. -This post is so inspiring and heartfelt. There are so many little ways to help the world. Many people think that one person can’t make a difference. But if 100,000 thousand people believed that they could, imagine the change we could see in the world! Thank you for reminding us to “be the change.”

Kelly J. R. -We have a christmas gift exchange with my husband’s family each year and I always try to buy a fair trade item that will help out the family or woman that created it. There’s a lot of young girls in that family that would love a Foster Kade Designs headband. The gift that keeps on giving – what an awesome concept!

Jodi-We’re praying adoption is in our future as well…right now we’re very much simple. But we can’t wait for our opportunity!

Amy Weber -a.DOR.able! I just GOTTA have one for my little girl!

Ashley C-Thank you for sharing your vision with us! I would love to adopt one day…to add to our own five.

Natalie-I just “liked” you on facebook- and I wanted to let you know about my completely legit friends adopting their second little guy from Ethiopia- they’re trying to sell coffee to raise funds- perhaps you can help advertise- Ben & Janet Whipple- whipplewords.wordpress.com they’re amazing people!

Joy Fisher-Facebook status plug for both Under The Sycamore and Foster Kade Designs – check, check!

Joy Fisher-It’s funny, I’ve been saying for a while that I might like to adopt a child (we have two of our own currently) and lately I’m seeing signs everywhere about adoption – as if it is meant to be one day . . . only time will tell, but in the meantime helping Angie’s family adopt their little girl will feel very good!

Sheila-A friend just told me about your site today. How lucky am I that I checked it out just in time for your contest! I have checked out your Foster Kade Designs website and I am in love with your headbands and clutch purses! I am going to have to purchase one. I think it is really neat that all of your profits are going to help someone adopt. Thanks for being an inspiration!

anne c -growing up I always said to myself I wanted to open an orphange one day and take care of all the children in the world that didn’t have families…I had no concept of how that would even happen or how many children there were in the world that needed families. I still have that desire to love/care for children…esp now that I have one of my own. I never understood love until having a baby. Being a mom has changed me…in a good way…now all that matters to me is having a house full of children..some my own…others adopted. Having a child of my own also has helped me understand the love God has for all of us…wow, so amazing!

anne c -oh and I “liked” you on facebook yesterday! but that is because I really do like you!

Erica -thanks!

Christy -I love the purses and headbands she Foster Kade designs! She is extremely talented. I love all things red and that purse is absolutely gorgeous! 🙂
Thanks for your daily posts, they are apart of my morning routine.

Sarah-Adoptions is so dear to my heart.
Supporting it is so important.
Thanks for sharing of this family and their waiting little girl.

Ashley C. -Great post! It’s kind of fun to see how life works itself out, even if you have a different plan for yourself.

Liked (wish I could’ve clicked LOVED)you on Facebook, and blasted my friends with a list of Foster Kade stuff they could get for me 😉 or themselves. Preferably the first…

Becca -Thank you so much for sharing the links! Your daughter is too precious!!! I lost a baby girl (stillborn) last week and it makes my heart just melt to see you with your girl! It makes me want to go kiss my sweet 1yr old girl’s little face but I’ll have to wait until she wakes from her nap ;-D

mandi-Love this post. Really, I do.
We are in the adoption process right now and God is rocking my world with what world orphan care is and what it should be. If you get a chance, check out Heartline ministries in Haiti. I’m hosting a purse party soon. I know if you put info about them on your blog it will BLOW UP!!! In a great way! They need financial support and the purse parties are great ways to do it!

Kim -Love love love the headbands. I am 7 months pregnant. My husband and I are waiting to find out the sex of the baby. I am secretly hoping it is a girl so I can buy her beautiful headbands and hats!

Holly-Thank you for this beautiful post. Long story short- I had the oppourtunity to live in Narobi, Kenya for 3 years. It was amazing and beautiful. It was in my 10 year dream to go and help the children of the country. Alas- I too am not doing that now but I look forward to traveling back at some point to help.

I have been pondering the idea of adoption for sometime and after the birth of my little boy I thought it would be wonderful to bring another child into our family via adoption.
Thank you again for the post 🙂

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